Abstract: TiC/Fe matrix composite was in situ synthesized by sintering compacts of mixed iron,titanium and carbon black powders.The microstructure of composite was investigated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.With the help of differential thermal analysis,the reaction mechanism of the Fe-Ti-C system was discussed.The wear-resistance of TiC/Fe matrix composite was examined using an MM-200 wear test machine.The results show that the synthesized composite consistes of TiC and α-Fe.TiC particles exhibite fine size and homogeneous distribution in the matrix.The reaction mechanism is as follows.First,allotropic change of α-Fe→γ-Fe occurred at 765.6 ℃.Second,the compound Fe2Ti was formed at 1 078.4 ℃ because of the eutectic reaction between Ti and Fe.Third,reaction between carbon and melted Fe2Ti caused the formation of TiC at 1 138.2 ℃.Under the condition of dry sliding with heavy load,TiC/Fe matrix composite showed great wear-resistan